THOMAS. your role as traffic officers is to protect people, not abuse them

TWENTY-FIVE police motorcyclists graduated yesterday following a ceremony at the Elletson Road Police Sports Complex in Kingston.

The officers underwent a 13-week training course which began in September. Of the 25 officers, two are women.

Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas, who gave the main address at the graduation, reminded the new traffic cops about their roles as officers and the manner in which they should carry out their duties.

"Your role as traffic officers is to protect people, not abuse them," Thomas said. At the same time, he told them to erase the perception that traffic cops were the most corrupt officers in the force.

"My charge to you as police officers is to effectively manage the traffic situation, ensuring that the laws of the country are maintained and that citizens' rights are respected," said the police chief.

He also told them to use the lessons of proper customer service and demeanour in dealing with people and not to take advantage of their position.

"Traffic officers have a special place in the JCF. You are some of the first members of the force that the public comes in contact with so it's your duty to create a good impression of the force through your self-presentation and attitude," added the commissioner.

The officers, who received certificates, were exposed to an intensive course that included road policing skills, the Road Traffic Act and Regulations, anti-corruption, use of force and firearm, accident investigations and intelligence gathering.

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